Programme Associate, Quality assurance

Support quality assurance functions in the Uganda office for effective UNICEF program delivery.

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Application deadline 6 months ago: Friday 7 Nov 2025 at 00:00 UTC

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Overview

Support quality assurance functions in the Uganda office for effective UNICEF program delivery.

You have:

  • 3-5 years of experience in financial management, audit management, or risk management.
  • Proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.
  • Excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills.
  • Solid computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to work independently with tight deadlines.
  • Interest in children and sustainable development.
  • Experience in conducting compliance audits and checks.

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

UNICEF adopted the 2014 revised UNDG Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) as a tool to ensure that funds transferred to partners are utilized as intended. Under the supervision and guidance of the Programme Specialist (Quality Assurance), the Programme Associate UNV (Quality Assurance) will support the Quality assurance unit by carrying out a range of quality assurance functions to help develop, implement and monitor their country programme, ensuring effective and timely delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations.

The Programme Associate UNV works in close collaboration and supervision of the Programme Specialist in assisting with review of systems, risks, application of policies and procedures and the capacity building of staff as well as counterparts within the area of internal control.

Under the supervision of the the Programme Specialist, Quality Assurance, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support in the implementation of Uganda office HACT Assurance plan which provides for a cost-effective assurance system to ensure funds entrusted to UNICEF by donors are utilized as intended, there is transparent processes and oversight of cash transfers and capacities of national partners is strengthened for the management and accountability of cash transferred. • Regular monitoring of the status of actions defined to mitigate significant risks and update the Office Risk Profile and support the specialist in managing key risks and opportunities to facilitate the achievement of CO objectives and planned results. • Support in the planning and the implementation of capacity building activities of national implementing partners to improve budgeting and financial management capacities of implementing partners. Ensure that inventory of training and capacity development needs of implementing partners is developed.
• Share with implementing partners and CO staff HACT related reports, especially reports of assurance activities, to ensure adequate awareness and follow-up of identified issues. • Participate in the review of assurance activity reports of implementing partners for quality check and the review’s recording in the e-tools. • Coordinate with external service providers for the finalization of assurance activities reports, including based on UNICEF feedback. • Performance of compliance tests and report on the implementation of SOPs and Work Processes. • Create general awareness and common understanding among staff of key strategic, programmatic, operational and financial risks. • Manage e-Tools and support colleagues in updating information on e-Tools on partners and HACT assurance status tasks e.g. monitoring progress of Micro assessments, Financial Spot Checks and Financial Audit dashboards, follow up actions among others. • Perform assigned quality assurance administrative activities e.g. procurement, finance, travel activities among others.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

• Financial Management, Audit Management, Risk Management and/or Programme Management – with hands on experience in planning, undertaking and reporting on financial management assurance activities related to HACT and/or similar grant management oversight systems used by donor and funding agencies’ • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in children, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

Living conditions in Kampala are good with access to shops, healthcare, restaurants, bars and malls. Housing is widely available with different price categories depending on the area where you want to life. Due to the heavy trafficking, it is recommended to live close to the office. Occasional field visits are expected once every quarter to support field office colleagues, and to follow up implementation of the program. Uganda is known for their natural diversity which allows for great options for travels inside the country. Kampala offers various activities including rock climbing, sailing, hiking, football, tennis, cinema, going out, etc.

Potential interview questions

Describe a time you managed risk within a project. This question assesses your risk management skills in a practical context. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to identify and mitigate risks.
How do you ensure the accuracy and professionalism in document production? This question evaluates your attention to detail and communication skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you built capacity within a team or organization? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to work effectively in a multicultural environment? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Discuss a challenging deadline you faced. How did you manage your time? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What steps do you take to ensure transparency in cash transfer processes? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you stay updated on financial management best practices? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Provide an example of how you dealt with a difficult stakeholder. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 7 months ago - Updated 6 months ago - Source: unv.org